Looking for something like...

Dolce & Gabbana "The One for Men"

First of, I'm 20. I only used two fragrances in my life: Aqua Di Gio and Joop Summer Temptation and both were given to me as gifts. I was thinking of going out and buying a fragrance I like on my own but didn't even know where to start so I printed off the list of most popular fragrances in the review board here (3+ pages worth) and gave it to the nice people at Holt & Renfrew last weekend and said "gimme samples!".

They set me up with a dozen to start off (after crossing off around 50% on my list that they don't even carry)

Out of all of them my favorite was the D&G, but I also loved the wood in Bulgari pour Homme but not enough to buy it I don't think.

So I'm going to H&R again this weekend for the next bunch. Can someone please recommend something that is similar to D&G? (or maybe suggest some other scent "grounds" that I should cover, I'm seeking a "gentlemanly" fragrance)

L'Homme by YSL (great scent, gentlemanly just like you said but just a hint too sweet)

Weirdest thing happened with D&G The One: I started smelling onion on it and the smell lingered on all my clothes even though I was very careful not to stain them. After trying so many other fragrances I think I have drastically reconsidered what I'm looking for (and it's not "The One")

Allure Homme by Chanel is amazing. I only had it sprayed on my wrist once but I can't stop thinking about the smell. I am most certain that I will get this one (although I haven't tried Égoïste or Antaeus)

You have compiled a very good list in a short period of time. You will definitely find some keepers in there for you.

If you can, please try the original Chanel Pour Monsieur (not the concentree version). It is a classical chypre, very gentlemanly and is one of the top five in my wardrobe.

Don't forget to try some Guerlains. Heritage and Derby are my favorites (Derby is in very limited distribution and will be hard to find). Habit Rouge has many admirers on Basenotes.

Finally, seek out New York by Parfums de Nicolai.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both and be one traveler, long I stood and looked down one as far as I could to where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, ...... I shall be telling this with a sigh somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost

Re: Looking for something like...

I am now a proud owner of Chanel Allure Pour Homme Edition (100ml). I think it's a great scent, although I will not be purchasing a second bottle because I've discovered so many other fragrances out there that I want to try. The only issue I've had was with it is longevity: doesn't last for more than 1 hour on my skin. The only solution that I've found was applying it on the inside of my clothes (then it lasts for hours and hours).

Unfortunately, I could not get my hands on New York or had the time to sample any of the Guerlains or Creeds. (although they are at the top of the list of things to try)

During the the time that I've had I sampled the rest of the Chanel collection and Gucci pour Homme and here are my thoughts.

Chanel Antaeus - Fantastic on paper but my skin destroyed it. All I got was spicy sage. Even the SA at the store was surprised.
Chanel Egoiste - Great scent, one of my favorites out of the entire collection. I reserved this one for a business trip to Europe.
Chanel Pour Monsieur - I thought that I would never say this but I simply do not have what it takes to wear this fragrance. It is the epitome of a mature, older gentleman. This scent has years and years on me.
Gucci Pour Homme - Fantastic scent. A classic. The best of the line. It reminded me of home. A cold winter night, middle of a snow storm, making way across dark old city streets towards a small ancient church. Upon entering, you feel a gust of warm air upon your face yet you still feel cold enough to keep your scarf and coat on. The air inside is thick with candle smoke, a smell that is characteristic of very old orthodox cathedrals. GPH is probably the most sentimental and emotional scent I've smelled.

I want to say thank you to TwoRoads and Gblue. You guys were great help.

Re: Looking for something like...

Originally Posted by blackhat

I am now a proud owner of Chanel Allure Pour Homme Edition (100ml). I think it's a great scent, although I will not be purchasing a second bottle because I've discovered so many other fragrances out there that I want to try. The only issue I've had was with it is longevity: doesn't last for more than 1 hour on my skin. The only solution that I've found was applying it on the inside of my clothes (then it lasts for hours and hours).

Unfortunately, I could not get my hands on New York or had the time to sample any of the Guerlains or Creeds. (although they are at the top of the list of things to try)

During the the time that I've had I sampled the rest of the Chanel collection and Gucci pour Homme and here are my thoughts.

Chanel Antaeus - Fantastic on paper but my skin destroyed it. All I got was spicy sage. Even the SA at the store was surprised.
Chanel Egoiste - Great scent, one of my favorites out of the entire collection. I reserved this one for a business trip to Europe.
Chanel Pour Monsieur - I thought that I would never say this but I simply do not have what it takes to wear this fragrance. It is the epitome of a mature, older gentleman. This scent has years and years on me.
Gucci Pour Homme - Fantastic scent. A classic. The best of the line. It reminded me of home. A cold winter night, middle of a snow storm, making way across dark old city streets towards a small ancient church. Upon entering, you feel a gust of warm air upon your face yet you still feel cold enough to keep your scarf and coat on. The air inside is thick with candle smoke, a smell that is characteristic of very old orthodox cathedrals. GPH is probably the most sentimental and emotional scent I've smelled.

I want to say thank you to TwoRoads and Gblue. You guys were great help.

Re: Looking for something like...

I wore Chanel pour homme for years, starting when I was about 15. I think it's a state of mind.... I just loved it though! Recently my favorite has been Guerlain's Mitsouka. Technically marketed to women, but I love it.

Re: Looking for something like...

Originally Posted by blackhat

I am now a proud owner of Chanel Allure Pour Homme Edition (100ml). I think it's a great scent, although I will not be purchasing a second bottle because I've discovered so many other fragrances out there that I want to try. The only issue I've had was with it is longevity: doesn't last for more than 1 hour on my skin. The only solution that I've found was applying it on the inside of my clothes (then it lasts for hours and hours).

Unfortunately, I could not get my hands on New York or had the time to sample any of the Guerlains or Creeds. (although they are at the top of the list of things to try)

During the the time that I've had I sampled the rest of the Chanel collection and Gucci pour Homme and here are my thoughts.

Chanel Antaeus - Fantastic on paper but my skin destroyed it. All I got was spicy sage. Even the SA at the store was surprised.
Chanel Egoiste - Great scent, one of my favorites out of the entire collection. I reserved this one for a business trip to Europe.
Chanel Pour Monsieur - I thought that I would never say this but I simply do not have what it takes to wear this fragrance. It is the epitome of a mature, older gentleman. This scent has years and years on me.
Gucci Pour Homme - Fantastic scent. A classic. The best of the line. It reminded me of home. A cold winter night, middle of a snow storm, making way across dark old city streets towards a small ancient church. Upon entering, you feel a gust of warm air upon your face yet you still feel cold enough to keep your scarf and coat on. The air inside is thick with candle smoke, a smell that is characteristic of very old orthodox cathedrals. GPH is probably the most sentimental and emotional scent I've smelled.

I want to say thank you to TwoRoads and Gblue. You guys were great help.

Anytime blackhat!

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both and be one traveler, long I stood and looked down one as far as I could to where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, ...... I shall be telling this with a sigh somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost